Roller Shoes Precautions: They Are Not Footwear
It is among the trends among many children, going to class, or spending too much time with skates or shoes with wheels. In some cases, more than eight hours are spent with them. The specialists affirm that these sneakers are not a shoe, but a toy. As such, they should be sold in toy stores and not in shoe stores.
These types of shoes with wheels are called “heelys”. They are items that have become very popular among children from 3 to 12 years old. However, there are many factors that discourage prolonged use of these famous wheeled shoes.
Heel height in wheeled shoes
The most damaging aspect for our health is related to the height of the heel. The General Council of Podiatrists in Spain is warning of the risks. Prolonged use of these shoes with wheels can cause foot problems derived from the weight itself, the height of the heel, the lack of flexibility and the fragile and unstable “wheel” itself.
This institution is recommending that schools and educational centers prohibit children, especially kindergarten and primary school children, from going to class with these wheeled shoes.
The different risks in shoes with wheels
Here are a number of risks associated with wheeled shoes.
Heel height
As we have seen, it is the most worrying aspect. The ball of the foot will not support most of the body weight. As the heel of the wheeled shoe increases, the weight load varies. Our heels are indicated to support most of the body weight.
- In the case of shoes with wheels, the burden of weight will fall on the forefoot. This will cause growth problems, pain in the bones that join the fingers, and loss of blood flow.
Excessive pressure on the heel
Children who wear their shoes on wheels for too long suffer from much higher pressure on their heels than it should be. This pressure can cause, in the long term, insufficient development of the posterior muscles, as is the case in twins. The consequence can be having flat feet.
The differences with a normal shoe
Keep in mind that the weight of the shoes with wheels can double that of a normal sports shoe. Some podiatrists are warning that this excess weight can lead to hip problems. This is motivated because the effort to lift the foot when walking increases excessively.
Advantages and disadvantages of wearing shoes with wheels
In the case of the smallest of the house, any activity can be a game, with fun connotations. Rolling shoes are not out of fashion.
Some advantages of shoes with wheels
- The kids are having fun. Walking or moving becomes a kind of game, an entertainment.
- With these shoes, children are more agile.
- Rolling shoes help little ones move faster.
Drawbacks
- As we have seen, slippers with wheels can be dangerous for the physical integrity of children. Due to their speed, the weight of the body or the constitution of the shoe, the little one can trip and suffer a fall that will cause injuries and even fractures.
- For good protection, children should ideally wear the same as when riding a bicycle, especially on the ankles and wrists.
- As we have seen, excessive use of these shoes can also cause other types of problems, such as back pain in the lumbar part. This would be motivated by the fact that the entire sole of the foot is not stepped on. The steps are taken with support in the heel, and especially in the forefoot.
- When the child begins to have good motor skills, the use of these shoes can impair the ability to balance already acquired.
Slippers with wheels or heelys : final comments
In summary, it is important to keep in mind that shoes with wheels should not be considered as just another footwear, but as an alternative to skates. That is, to use for a while as a game or fun, but not in a continuous way. Finally, we recommend visiting and consulting with the podiatrist for any questions or foot problems.
